Kpétékan, Benin - “I can talk freely now, without feeling shy,” says Alexandrie Amoussou, a 22-year-old apprentice tailor from Zunta, a quiet village in the Ouadémipédia district of Benin. For Alexandrie, the SWEDD Safe Spaces have been a game-changer, helping her gain confidence and learn about her sexual and reproductive health and rights. 

The sessions, held at the local primary school in Pété-Camp, bring together around 30 young women. They participate in role plays, games, and open discussions on topics ranging from self-care and communication to reproductive health and gender equality. The atmosphere is supportive and interactive, allowing the girls to ask questions freely and share their experiences. “It’s not like a regular classroom,” Alexandrie explains. “Here, we learn from each other and grow together.”

Learning to communicate builds confidence

In Benin, the SWEDD project addresses critical issues such as gender inequality, early marriage, and lack of access to education and healthcare for women and girls. Funded by the World Bank and implemented with the technical support of UNFPA, the programme seeks to empower women and promote demographic dividends by investing in their education, health, and leadership. 

Safe spaces like the one Alexandrie attends are key components of the project, providing young women with knowledge, confidence, and tools to build brighter futures. These spaces emphasize peer learning and community support, fostering resilience and ambition in participants.

“Before, I was shy and avoided being around people,” Alexandrie recalls. “I was afraid to speak up because I thought others wouldn’t appreciate what I had to say.” The sessions on communication were particularly transformative for her. Through activities and discussions, she learned how to express herself and share her thoughts. “Now, I can talk in public, play with my friends, and share my ideas without feeling ashamed,” she says, her warm smile reflecting her newfound confidence.

In Benin more than 53,000 girls have benefitted from the Safe Space curriculum which spans 28 sessions. For many participants, these sessions are their first exposure to such critical knowledge.

Understanding her own body and health 

The safe spaces have also been an eye-opener for Alexandrie in terms of health and family planning. “Before, I didn’t understand my periods or know what ovulation was,” she admits. “Now, I know how to manage my health and make informed decisions about my future.” The sessions on family planning taught her the importance of spacing births and planning for children on her terms. “It’s empowering to know that I have control over this part of my life,” she says.

The programme has also reshaped Alexandrie’s views on gender roles. “The woman’s role is vital because she educates the children, and through them, the entire society,” she says. Alexandrie envisions a future where she and her husband share responsibilities equally. “We’re the same; we should contribute equally to the family and the community,” she adds.